Malta Guide

If your idea of a great holiday involves gorgeous beaches, scuba diving, shopping and fabulous food, Malta is the perfect choice.

What to do in Malta

First, lose yourself in its history...

It's apt that tourism remains a key source of income in Malta, as it has changed hands no less than nine times since gaining independence in 1964. If youre interested in Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, Norman, Aragonese, Habspurg Spain, Knights of St John, French or British history, then you'll love deciphering the marks each of these eras have left on the island. St Paul himself was even shipwrecked here, according to The Acts of the Apostles.

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Go exploring

Don't fancy harking back to the past? Not to worry, there's plenty to keep you busy. If any outdoor activity could be considered Maltas favourite pastime, its Scuba diving. First off, check out the varied underwater relief of popular diving spot Cirkewwa, but if its wrecks youre after, the HMS Maori in Valetta harbour is the most accessible at 14m. Its also a fairly strong bet that Malta has more diving centres per head than any other country in the world, so you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to courses or equipment hire. For beginners, we recommend Maltaqua in St Pauls Bay for equipment hire and an introductory Ocean Diver BSAC course. For seasoned divers, more advanced courses are available too.

If you prefer being above sea level, catch a ferry from Cirkewwa to the other islands Comino and Gozo. Comino has a campsite and a hotel, sites of note including the aptly named Blue Lagoon between the island and its tiny neighbor, Comminoto (little more than a rock). Gozo is larger, but still small enough to be seen in a day. Take the trip to the western side of the island to check out the Azure Window, a natural sea arch.

Malta is also very proud of its film history, with a number of motion pictures being shot here including Popeye, the set of which has been maintained as a popular, if surreal, tourist attraction. Otherwise, for a more authentic afternoon, head to the ancient capital Mdina. A beautiful fortified hill town, it boasts commanding views over the whole island.

For serious relaxation, head to the beach at Mellieha Bay. Popular with families, especially with younger children, there are shallow waters and plenty of nearby amenities.

Try the shopping

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Unsurprisingly, the capital Valetta is the place to do your shopping, with a number of designer and English stores such as Marks & Spencer, Accessorize and Peacocks making it feel like home. Head to Republic Street and Merchant Street for the best bargains, but if it's traditional Maltese arts and crafts you're after (think blown glass and pretty pottery) head to one of the two craft villages: Ta Qali near Mdina, or Ta Dbiegi on Gozo.

Where to stay

For luxury, stay at the Exelsior Grand Hotel or the Phoenica Hotel, both in Valetta. The Excelsior offers spacious rooms, excellent breakfasts and views of the neighbouring Manoel and Siliema islands. The Phoenicia is a more boutique-y option, with a heated pool and views of Marsamxett Harbour.

Gozo and Commino also have hotels. Ta Cenc on Gozo has a spa, and the aptly named Commino Hotel is a touch on the resort-y side to be fully recommended  but bear in mind it's the only hotel on the island.

There are also a number of apartments available to rent in Valetta through Airbnb. The main harbour on the south side of the city truly is marvellous to look at, so go for an option with views of the city from the Three Cities over to the south. Preferably one within spitting distance of the traditional boats that ferry tourists and commuters alike between the cruise ships to the city.

Restaurants worth a visit

One of the chief selling points about Malta is its size  its completely feasible to stay in the south, but jump in the car and eat in the north of the island without the journey taking too long. Local specialities include Pastizzi, a savoury filo pastry filled with either ricotta cheese or mushy peas; Fenek, a rabbit stew and Maltas national dish; Kunserva, a sweet concentrated tomato paste served on bread; and Mqret, a package of sweet pastry filled with dates and spices - delicious served hot with ice cream. Malta also produces its own beer, Cisk, and wine  we recommend Isis, especially white.

As far as restaurants go, Guiseppes in Il Mellieha to the north offers traditional Maltese food and Italian classics. Guze is a well thought of bistro in Valetta, and if you're looking for a nice lunch in Mdina, go to De Mondion at the Xara Palace hotel.

What about the nightlife?

Continuing the theme of Malta being proud of its film heritage, it also happens to be where a large number of scenes from Ridley Scotts Gladiator was filmed. Unfortunately this means it has the honour of housing The Pub, Oliver Reeds last drinking hole before he died. But if youre a fan of the actor, or like an English style pub, head there to pay your respects.

The liveliest areas for partying are Paceville and Bugibba, and night owls looking to experience Malta under the stars should head to Bedouin Bar (summer only) at the Westin Dragonara Resort. For the best views, head to Twenty Two in Portomaso.

Sold? Here's how you get there...

National carrier Air Malta continues to operate an extensive year-round scheduled service of 26 flights per week from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester with fares from as little as £62 one way, inclusive of taxes and 20kgs of baggage. Air Malta also operate regional Summer charter flights from Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Newcastle, Exeter, Norwich and Glasgow.

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